Beaded curtains are a great way to add artistic flair to your room.They can be quite expensive to buy.It is fairly easy to make them.You can change the shape and size of the beads in your curtains.You have the ability to choose what material they are made of.You could add beaded curtains to any door or window in your home once you get the hang of it.
Step 1: Take a look at the window or doorway you plan on having curtains in.
Measure across the window/doorway with a measuring tape.You can add up to 12 inches to your measurement.3 to 6 inches (7.62 to 15.24 centimeters) past the window/doorway on both sides is how your finished rod will be extended.Measure along the top edge of the frame to make sure the curtain is inside the window.Don't add any extra measurements.
Step 2: According to your measurement, cut a 34-inch (1.90-centimeter) diameter wooden rod.
Oak is a strong wood for this.The rod should be strong enough to hold the curtains up.It won't be sturdy enough to use a tension rod.You can either cut the wood yourself or ask the hardware store to do it for you.If you already have a sturdy metal rod, you can use that instead.
Step 3: The hooks have to be attached.
Place the hooks against the wall.Don't put the holes into the wooden support beams or into sheetrock.The weight of the curtains will pull the rod off the wall if you drill the holes into sheetrock.Depending on the width of your window or doorway, you will need between 2 and 3 hooks.You will need more hooks if the window is wider.If you want to mount the curtain inside the window or door, you should drill the holes into the frame.You will need mounts for hanging curtains inside windows.
Step 4: The curtain rod should be resting on the hooks.
You can determine how long your curtains will be by hanging the rod.You won't have to worry about strands getting tangled while you work on them.You should be prepared for a tight fit if you are resting the curtain inside the window.You might have to sand down the curtain rod.
Step 5: Measure and cut.
From the top of the curtain rod, measure how long you want your curtains to be.12 inches (30.46 centimeters) is double your measurement.You should cut your fishing line.You are cutting your fishing line twice as long because you will be folding it in half.You can finish off the curtains with the extra 12 inches.Work on one strand at a time.The fishing line may become tangled if you cut too many strands at once.If you don't have fishing line, you can use strong, sturdy thread, colored string, or even wire.A micro-filament line is strong and clear.It might be too weak to use crochet thread.If you have small beads, cotton rope will be too thick.
Step 6: The fishing line should be tied to a ring.
Pick out the center of your fishing line and slip it through the split ring.You can use a slipknot instead of tying 2 to 3 knots beneath the slip ring.Make sure both strands of the fishing line are the same length.Work on one ring at a time.As soon as you finish the ring, hang it on the rod.The same thing is done with split rings.There are no gaps that your fishing line might slip through because of their design.They are strong and sturdy.
Step 7: Get some beads
You will need more beads than you think.They can be plastic, wood, or even homemade, and they don't have to be fancy glass beads.You could use the beads from the costume jewelry.The better the beads are, the better!Colored glass beads are great for this project because they are translucent.Clear beads can be used for a cool effect if you are using colored string.Get some 2-hole beads for the curtain strands.Each strand will have one 2-hole bead.
Step 8: Start stringing the beads.
Attach your first bead to the fishing line.Make sure you put the bead through both strands of the fishing line.The bead should be pulled all the way down to the split ring.Continue until you have at least 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) of string left.The size of your beads doesn't have to be the same.You can play with different patterns.You could use mostly small beads on your curtain, and use a large bead every couple of inches.
Step 9: A bead at the end.
Put a strand of fishing line through each hole.If you don't have any 2-hole beads, use a larger bead.The holes should be pointing to the side when turning the bead.Pull the strand of fishing line through the left hole.Pull the other strand of fishing line through the right hole.
Step 10: The ends have to be untied.
Bring the ends of the fishing line back through the holes if you tie 3 knots under the bead.After threading the strands back through the first couple of beads, trim them off.If you use a regular bead instead of a 2-hole bead, tie the knots above it.Put a drop of superglue over the knot.This will make it stronger.
Step 11: Hang the strand on the curtain and move on.
It may sound like a lot of work, but it will help keep your work from getting tangled.
Step 12: Continue cutting and beading until you have the amount of strands you want on the curtain rod.
They don't all have to be the same length, but you should add 12 inches (30.46 centimeters) to each strand to finish it off.A great idea would be to change the shape of your curtains.
Step 13: Put the curtain rod in place.
Make sure the curtain hangs evenly.If you use glass beads, the light behind the curtain will catch the colors of the beads and make them glow.
Step 14: Add some ornaments to the curtain rod.
It won't be possible for a curtain rod to be mounted inside the window or doorway, but it can take your design to the next level.When you move the curtain around, it will prevent the split rings from sliding off.Attach wooden ornaments to your curtain rod with wood glue.You can get metal, glass, or ceramic curtain rod ornaments and screw them on, but you will need to drill holes into the curtain rods first.